Ian Thomson from Save our Seas Ocean Racing set to depart this Sunday

As one Australian finishes her round the world journey, another Aussie is about to depart to break a world record. Jessica Watson is due home in the early stages of May. However, in central Queensland the final preparations are taking place.

Ian Thomson of SOS Ocean Racing has today confirmed that the departure is most likely to be this Sunday 2nd May at 10am in front of the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Save our Seas Ocean Racing is setting off to set a new world record for the fastest solo non-stop circumnavigation of Australia whilst raising awareness of the damage plastic bags are doing to our environment. Sailing a custom designed and built Welbourn 12m, Ian Thomson's passage is sure to be quick and he hopes to go under 50 days, hence smashing the current record of 68d:8h:30m held by the only person to have achieved this feat, David Beard from Brisbane.

Ian says, 'The forecast is lining up perfectly for a quick passage. My Maxsea Timezero weather and routing software predicts that I will be somewhere in Bass Strait within 20 days however we all know how weather can change.'

Setting off on Sunday means Ian will also be surrounded by the fleet of boats from Islandive.com whom he works for as they are all due in port that day and will rally around him to send him off. In addition the fleet from the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Ian's home club, also has a race on that day so they too will be out to see Ian off.

As far as the final preparations are concerned Ian commented, 'I have a few minor tasks left and then I will have the last hitout for the boat in the Wednesday night twighlight race with some friends before loading the provisions.'

Our members evening is set for Friday night where media and friends will get a chance to talk with Ian in person and then come Sunday morning Ian will be setting off at 9am from Meridien Marinas Abel Point Marina from the main pontoon in the new marina section.

For those seeking a view of the start from land, the best place will be on the Yacht club balcony as the World Speed Sailing Record Council official start line will include the flagstaff on the balcony.

The first day of sailing for Ian is vitally important as he has 65nm to be outside the Great Barrier Reef and he hopes to do this before it gets dark just for safety sake. With the predicted 15-20 knots, Ian believes he can average the right speed to do this by 5pm and then will set up for an evening sail in the open ocean.

Commenting on the pending departure Ian said, 'It is really exciting now to be so close. I just want to go and get down to the sailing part. I'm a bit over the preparation side of things and just want to go sailing and enjoy this beautiful craft once again. In the Brisbane to Gladstone it sailed so well and I had a grin from ear to ear so after 50 days I wonder if that grin will still be as big!'

For more details on the SOS Ocean Racing Campaign visit www.sosoceanracing.com

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